In August 2001, the National Governors Association (NGA) convened "Influencing the Future of Higher Education," the plenary session of the 2001 NGA Annual Meeting. Governor Parris Glendening of Maryland opened the plenary with remarks about the importance of postsecondary education to the economic and civil prosperity of the states and the United States. Since the inception of the Influencing the Future of Higher Education initiative, three reports have been produced that consider the future and the role of technology in higher education. The panel discussion of this plenary session focused on how the higher education system will have to transform itself over the next decade. Belle Wheelan, president of Northern Virginia Community College discussed the future of community colleges, student acceptance of changes in postsecondary education, and articulation between 4-year schools and community colleges. Freeman A. Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, talked about educational planning and the changing demographics of college students. Jorge Klor de Alva, of Apollo International, reminded panelists and participating governors that higher education has become an industry and should be examined as such. In closing, Governor Glendening remarked that the session demonstrated the importance of the NGA initiative. (SLD)